Ramadan and the Quran (13): Themes of Surah Aal-E-Imran (Part Five) — The Unity of Divine Messages
One of the central themes of Surah Aal-E-Imran is the unity of divine messages and the reaffirmation that Islam is the true and final path ordained by Allah. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes that all prophets were sent with the same fundamental message: to call humanity to the worship of the One True God. This unity is highlighted in the following verse:
“And [recall] when Allah took the covenant of the prophets, [saying], ‘Whatever I give you of the Scripture and wisdom and then there comes to you a messenger confirming what is with you, you must believe in him and support him.’”
This verse reminds us that the prophets were not isolated figures with conflicting teachings; rather, they were links in a single chain of guidance leading to the final message revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Every prophet, from Adam to Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus (peace be upon them all), called their people to the same essential truth: submission to Allah.
The Quran further affirms that Islam is the natural and universal religion to which all of creation submits, whether willingly or unwillingly:
“So do they seek a religion other than the religion of Allah, while to Him has submitted all those within the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly, and to Him they will be returned?”
This powerful statement reminds us that all existence operates under the command of Allah, and true peace is found in accepting His guidance.
The message of Islam is not an innovation but a continuation of the teachings brought by previous prophets:
“Say, ‘We have believed in Allah and in what was revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Descendants, and in what was given to Moses and Jesus and to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.’”
This verse beautifully encapsulates the Quran’s stance on religious unity: all genuine revelations came from the same source, and their ultimate purpose was to guide humanity to monotheism and righteousness.
However, over time, deviations and distortions emerged, and people divided themselves into sects. The Quran warns against abandoning the true religion in favor of altered beliefs:
“And whoever desires other than Islam as a religion, never will it be accepted from him, and he will be, in the Hereafter, among the losers.” (Aal-E-Imran: 85)
A Message for Our Times
In a world marked by religious fragmentation and misunderstanding, these verses remind us of the original unity of divine messages. Islam is not a rejection of previous prophets but rather their fulfillment. The Quran confirms and corrects earlier scriptures, preserving the essence of Allah’s guidance in its purest form.
As we reflect on these verses during Ramadan, we are reminded that our faith connects us to a long lineage of believers throughout history. Our devotion to Allah places us in the company of the prophets who came before us, and our duty is to uphold the same message of truth and submission.
May this Ramadan be a time of deep reflection, strengthening our faith, and drawing us closer to the path of those who truly submitted to the will of Allah. Ameen.
Reference: This series draws insights from Thematic Interpretation of the Surahs of the Quran, compiled by a distinguished group of scholars under the supervision of Dr. Mustafa Muslim.
Comments
Post a Comment